KT's Goldens

Handed down.....

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:05:00 +0000

First, there was Sunny. When he left for the bridge, I still had Cosmo.

Cosmo had Devo, but when she left for the bridge,
Devo and I had each other.....

And finally when Devo was gone,
there was no other dog in my life for 7 months.
I was lost, unsure -- what do I do now?
Then I realized, all three of them had left instructions I simply didn't see....

Then there was Lady and now Easton. Both unwanted for one reason or another.
No judgement, it was just meant to be. The paw prints on my heart continue.
They all showed me the way. I could never thank them enough

Something's going on.....

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:39:00 +0000

This is all new to Easton. He's not sure what all this activity is.... suitcases being packed, car fussed over and a general elevation of energy and excitement. He has been glued to my heals all day long. Easton has been on one 3 hour trip with me, but that's it. He'll be a veteran traveler in no time. Don't worry buddy, you get to go!!

Destination revealed soon! (Like you didn't already know)

Wet, but no worse for wear

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:04:00 +0000

This is rather belated, but Easton wanted to thank his Uncle Chip for the awesome mini-fuzzy bone. The first three pictures were taken just before the big snow storm blew in. Little bone was lost under all the snow, but I'm glad to report it suddenly appeared in my lap this evening, soaking wet with a very happy Easton urging me to fling it somewhere where he could fetch it up. We're just glad it survived.

Resting up for a big swim at Splash Dog tomorrow.
I think he is dreaming about Meeka!

Easton's snow carpet

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Seattle snow day

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:17:00 +0000

Pictures as promised. It's not as bad as the press claims, but the storm is not quite finished yet. About 4" north of downtown, but 8"+ south in the state's capital. Easton seems to like the snow, but as usual, is pretty camera shy. Here are some views from our backyard.

Saturday with Buddy

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:46:00 +0000

Our fun loving Lab friend Buddy came over with his humans to spend a snowy Saturday with Easton. Buddy has a rich history with the house Goldens; Devo, Lady and now Easton. Buddy is a wild and crazy guy who is very social and loves everybody. He and Easton got along very well and enjoyed each other's company as much as two big, play crazy retrievers can inside the house (it was plain nasty outside). Buddy doesn't hold still for more than 2 seconds, but I did manage to snap a picture of him and Easton together. Here is the Saturday picture along with a couple of favorites from the past.

Notice the similar body language displayed by Easton and Devo. Just before each picture was taken, Buddy had performed one of his classic, indoor zoomy displays!! They're thinking, "where does he get the energy?".

Easton and Buddy - having been bribed with the proper
amount of dried liver treats

Lady and Buddy - summer 2009
A match made in heaven - they really loved hanging out together

Devo and Buddy - Devo was in the winter of his life and tolerated this
Tasmanian Devil of a puppy. As you can see from the previous pictures,
Buddy grew up to be a handsome, sweet boy...loved by all.

Bubba, I'll miss you.....

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:56:00 +0000

I first (virtually) met the Chub Brothers in June of 2010. They were the newest additions to the "cheaper by the dozen" paradise called Golden Pines. As I read their story and followed their indoctrination into Life at Golden Pines, I thought that these two would be the perfect companions for my confident, gregarious, adopted Golden named Lady. This of course, was only a fantasy. Lovettsville, VA was 3000 miles away; hardly practical. There was something about these two, I was completely smitten. The brothers were named Bubba and Toby and they were both "hefty" boys that needed less food and more exercise. It was eventually discovered that Bubba had a medical condition that caused him to experience seizures; damn scary ones. The medication was expensive and it was unclear where the funds would come from. We volunteered to "adopt" Bubba by sponsoring his medication expenses. This was the best I could do without actually bringing him into our home (Toby would have to come too of course). I could still be their Uncle KT, living vicariously through the blogging prowess of Kim at GPs. Then there was good news; being a permanent foster guest at Golden Pines, the rescue group stepped up to make sure Bubba was well cared for in the medication department.

For 18 months, via blog postings and email, I kept close tabs on my Chub Brothers (I get to say that, 'cause I named them!). With a heavy heart I must report that Bubba left for the bridge yesterday, fading away peacefully with the family he loved watching over him at Golden Pines: Toby, Sam, Kim, Carl and the rest of the pack. It has taken me a couple of days to write this post, because I just didn't know how to tell the story of being emotionally invested in two sweet, chubby Goldens living 3000 miles away. As you can see, I have succumbed to the power of the paw. Fly free sweet Bubba. Lady will be there to show you around. She's like that you know.

My heartfelt condolences to Kim and Carl at Golden Pines. I continue to be in awe of the generosity, spirit and kindness that you posses, giving so many senior Goldens a place to call home when they were in need. Animo pia.

Bubba, the newest star in the sky

Cowboy Caviar

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:03:00 +0000

Thought I would trot this out with parties and celebrations on the horizon.

By special request:

KT’s Cowboy Caviar recipe

Marked with * means “it will still be good without this”, but even better WITH

>> Core ingredients

2- cans of black eyed peas

1- can of black beans

2- cans of shoe peg corn

1- bunch of green onions chopped

1- can diced/chopped tomatoes (seeded)

>> Dressing

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup olive oil

1- Tablespoon of Agave Nectar* (light preferred, but the dark works well, just use a little less)

2- Teaspoons cumin

3-5 cloves worth of smashed garlic

2-5 pickled or plain jalapenos seeded and chopped (to taste) – Ortega makes chopped jalapenos in small cans, it’s the perfect amount

Pepper to taste

1-3 teaspoons of freeze dried Cilantro* (Litehouse makes a good one)

Optional: like it hot? Sprinkle just a touch of ground Habanero chili in the dressing – wow!

2- avocados chopped (ripe, firm, cold, add just before serving)*

Johnny’s seasoning salt to taste* (if you can't get this, rant and rave to your local grocer, 'cause you don't know what you are missing!) Especially good sprinkled after the avocados have been added.

> > IMPORTANT

- Drain and rinse most core ingredients before using (canned beans, corn etc.)

- Put the core ingredients in a large bowl then pour dressing on, mix and refrigerate for 2-24 hours.

- Drain any excess liquid before serving (proper size colander/strainer, leaving the good stuff)

Any chip or cracker will work, but Fritos scoops have the volume to handle this caviar.

Naturally, any of these ingredients are better if fresh and/or (maybe frozen).

- You can make the dressing the day before and refrigerate

- Other creative ingredients that work: red onion, pimentos, celery (all chopped)

- Experiment with different bean combinations, as long as they are firm beans.

- I’ve tried it with red wine vinegar; it’s not as good as apple cider vinegar

Our best wishes to you for the new year....

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:27:00 +0000

MAY YOU .. ALWAYS MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE

MAY YOUR CUP RUNNETH OVER WITH LOVE

MAY YOU ALWAYS FIND SHELTER FROM THE STORM

MAY YOU ALWAYS BE GOOD LOOKING & LOOKING GOOD

MAY YOU FIND THE PERFECT DIET FOR YOUR BODY & SOUL

MAY YOU FIND THE PERFECT BALANCE IN THE COMPANY YOU KEEP

MAY YOU HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS YOU CAN
BEFORE SOMEONE MAKES YOU STOP

MAY THE WORST THING THAT HAPPENS TO YOU,
COME IN SLOBBERY, PINK AND FURRY .. BLACK & TAN

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHANCE TO TAKE A TIME OUT

MAY ALL THE NEW PEOPLE YOU MEET
BE INTERESTING AND KIND

MAY YOU ALWAYS KNOW WHEN TO WALK AWAY
AND WHEN TO RUN

MAY ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ALWAYS BRING YOU JOY

Holiday Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:58:00 +0000

Holiday Funnies

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:11:00 +0000

Out of hibernation to at least post some good humor for the holidays.

Yikes, Fran can sing? Oh, who cares.

Bad Santa at the strip club. Ho, Ho, Ho

See, Santa does like cookies...er I mean cupcakes

Boxing day with Jack Daniels

Git into the spirit

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 03:29:00 +0000

Easton asked me to make sure all his bloggy friends were spooled up for the Hollerdays.

Follow-up Lily and Maddison

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:21:00 +0000

The previous post on these pages told the story in pictures about "A dog's seeing eye dog". Little did I realize that these dogs were rescued, placed in a new home, then separated. Their current situation doesn't seem dire to me, but it is ashame that they had trouble adapting to a new home; the trouble part is that they ceased to get along. Here is an update from the UK rescue organization that is caring for them:

Lily and Maddison

Thanks to Phyll, Khyra's Mom for sending the link for the rest of their story.

A dog's seeing eye dog

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:37:00 +0000

Lily is a Great Dane that has been blind since a bizarre medical condition required that she have both eyes removed. For the last 5 years, Maddison, another Great Dane, has been her sight. The two are, of course, inseparable. I love this story. Anything and everything seems possible - with a smile on your face.

Fly Free Jake

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Jake, who came to Golden Pines to spend the winter of his life, left for the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. We blogged about him just a few weeks ago Post dedicated to Jake hoping he could thrive and overcome years of "less than stellar care". Stop by and paw a message to Kim, who was kind enough to give him a caring home for his last 24 days.

Goodbye Jake

Her post about him really hits home with all of us who rescue. It is very well said.

For Jake

Mr. Cedar Breath

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:51:00 +0000

Our neighbor took down 8 GIANT cedar trees recently. So everyone within earshot gets free cedar mulch, sticks and firewood. Easton is in heaven. There are hundreds of sticks to pick up and present for throwing. After one or two tosses, he decides he has to chew them. This happens every day we go out to pick up our mail. At least his breath smells better!

This looks like a good spot

Nom, nom, nom, nom

Nom, crunch, nom, peel

Bitey nom

Yep, it worked. Now give us a kiss!

All short hair breeds.....

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:34:00 +0000

can learn from this.

Every dog ....

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:28:00 +0000

To all my fellow Veterans

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:28:00 +0000

Happy Dance dedicated to Jake at Golden Pines

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:11:00 +0000

Video credits: Devo dancing, trotting & burping, Cosmo bouncing and Sunny taking it all in.

Jake is an old Golden just rescued by the wonderful people at Golden Pines.

Stop by and paw Jake a woof. He's had a hard life and deserves the best.

We are so happy he can spend the winter of his life at Golden Pines

Life at Golden Pines

Easton is off the DL - for now

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:52:00 +0000

Easton has been on the DL (disabled list) for almost 4 months now. After being blind sided by an illegal block to the back by a misguided mix-breed linebacker, much to his disappointment, Easton has not participated in any full contact running and fetching since the incident. Until yesterday! I'm happy to report he has returned to his "just adopted" retrieving condition with an extra dose of enthusiasm.

We headed to our secret off-leash area, 4 blocks from home, hoping no one was there so we could conduct a controlled work-out for the NFL scouts. Golf ball retrieving for about 15 minutes went very well. His enthusiasm was sky high and his running looked good. Eventually we had company sharing the field. Thank goodness it was a responsible owner and her sweet, balanced dog. Holly is a 5 year old Labradoodle who is a wonderful playing companion for Easton. Kathy, Holly's Mum, brought the chuck-it and a tennis ball. That's all it took to wear Easton out. He went full bore for about 20 minutes, but then I had to cut him off. We took a long, slow cool-off walk home. Easton was one tired, but satisfied boy.

I know how much he misses playing. He has the play drive of Devo, but has not been in any shape to ask his body to do the things his enthusiasm demands. We'll continue to walk every day and are still going to swim therapy every couple of weeks. We brought the Costco dog bed up from the garage hoping he would use it after his workout. As you can see from the pictures, he took full advantage of the opportunity to crash in style. Both Cosmo and Devo would sleep together on this bed. It's the perfect size for one Big Red! He never showed much interest in it before, but I think he's coming around.

Leavenworth 2011 - Garden Haus

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:48:00 +0000

We had such a great time last year in Leavenworth, WA <see where it is> - It was worth an encore. This year we were right in the middle of October Fest! For an imitation Bavarian town, this is a big deal. Weekdays are much tamer than the weekends, but it's always lively this time of year. A Fall Northwest storm came through and kept the weather ugly until the afternoon of the third day. Caught up on our reading and enjoyed our time with Easton. This was his first long car trip and being away from home. He was a very good boy with only one surprise. Off leash on our first walk, he bolted down to the Wenatchee river and would not stop. I wasn't too worried because the current is not swift and we were in the park with many inlets used for swimming. When I caught up with him, he was just standing in two feet of water, still as a statue, looking at me. He was visiting a place in his mind that he has been before. It was like Easton was in a trance. He would not come when I call to him, nor did he even stir. Finally when I held the leash up, he snapped out of it and splish-splashed out of the water, wagging his tail, ready to continue his walk.

He found a tennis ball and officially adopted it. I think its name is Wilson.
BTW, keeping our paws crossed for my pal Bubba at Golden Pines.

We rented this cool one bedroom house right in town.
Very nice - highly recommended + this particular property is pet friendly.

Front yard - the sun finally came out the third day.

The hot tub got a lot of use, especially on those cool, rainy days.

The back side of Garden Hause - lots of off-street parking.
Quite valuable during Octoberfest in Leavenworth.

Last year when we took this trip, Lady was with us. We took a picture of her in the town gazebo. Here is Lady from 2010 and Easton from 2011. I've said it many times: they would have been a great pair. "SIGH"

Lady September 2010

Easton October 2011

There are always "hits and misses" when ever you visit a place known for attracting tourists. Leavenworth is no exception. THE HITS: ~ we discovered one new (to us) place worth mentioning: King Ludwig, a traditional German restaurant and beer hall! Surprisingly good food and the staff was excellent. ~ Spent many lunches and snack times at the Munchen Haus - outdoor dining, dog friendly and wonderful sausages, German potato salad and kraut. ~ Our friend Klaus <Klaus and Lady> we met last year may be losing his lease. What a shame. He is such a nice man and knows how to make a quality espresso. ~ Our favorite breakfast place, Renaissance Cafe was still good. We had breakfast there every morning. ~ The Accidental Bavarian website was were we found our Garden Hause. It's still the best website for learning what's up in Leavenworth. ~ Thumbs up for Rudloof's Pizza. Excellent salad, friendly staff and decent pizza (OK, I'm a pizza snob, but for a small town joint, a fine effort).

The MISSES: Just one this trip, Tumwater Inn. The food was not good. Quaint bar, nice staff, but local entertainers were there playing guitars in the evening. Since they were locals, a group of their friends were sitting at the front tables and it was obvious anyone else in attendance was intruding. Kind of weird.

So, this is two years in a row for Leavenworth. It is really a wonderful place. I think next year we may pick somewhere different. I'm voting for Portland. We spent some time there last Christmas and loved it, despite the horrible weather. Many friends and my brother live down there, so we always have places to go and people to visit.

Sorry I have been so sparse with my blog postings the last 6 months. I'm hoping to be more prolific very soon. Best to all.

Can I play through?

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:54:00 +0000

Easton is getting around pretty well these days. We are slowly reintroducing his toys as his leg gets stronger and more reliable every week. The retrieving dummy is pretty low key compared to a tennis ball, so he gets to carry that around whenever he wants. However, when I come home in the evening, he makes sure that any golf balls that are hit into the net are properly retrieved, slobbered on and mayhem ensues as he insists on collecting them all. Good thing I have a whole bucket full of practice balls. I laugh and laugh at his antics. He is so serious about performing what he thinks is his job. He sure has a good time!

As you can see, his coat is starting to grow out and fill in. He is turning into one very handsome boy. Strong, loyal and as it turns out, very obedient! I've let him off leash a couple of times in the last two weeks with great results.He runs around and when he wanders a little too far, I get the head snap, back to my call and he come a runnin'. I haven't worked with him that much because he has been on "light duty", so his progress is amazing. He is such a good boy.

Honoring those who have fallen and the first responders

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Never in the history of the United States had dogs been called upon to serve humans like they were during the devastation of the 9/11 attacks.

Ten Years.......

noreply@blogger.com (KT and Easton) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 04:41:00 +0000